Leon H. Blanchard Jr.

Leon Hartwell Blanchard Jr., 87, of Worcester, formerly of Holden, Dade City, FL, and Barre died Friday, June 12, 2009, in Dodge Park Rest Home, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Leon, son of the late Leon H. and Hazel (Brooks) Blanchard, was born in Worcester on March 3, 1922. He is survived by his cherished wife, Elizabeth (Field) Blanchard; his four children: Arthur Blanchard of Barre, Bruce Blanchard and his wife, Irene, of Holden, Dorothy Blanchard and her husband Michael Piazza of Contoocook, NH, and Ann Blanchard and her husband, David Edelstein, of North Berwick, ME; his four granddaughters: Faye Pinzón, Erin Blanchard, Molly Edelstein, and Allie Jane Piazza; and one great-grandson: Andrés Pinzón. He also leaves a sister, Marion Stratton of Agawam; a brother, George Blanchard and his wife, Nancy, of Holden; and a large extended family, known as "The Blanchard Connection". He was predeceased by a sister, Helen Krause of Millville, NJ.

Leon was a graduate of Gould Academy in Bethel, ME, where he met Beckey, his wife of 61 years. He also graduated from the former Worcester Junior College and the School of Industrial Management at WPI. Before retiring in 1984, Leon worked for 43 years at Morgan Construction Co. in Worcester. A WWII veteran, he served as an officer in the US Army occupation of Germany. He was a life-long member of the United Congregational Church of Worcester and sang with the Worcester Men of Song barbershop chorus for many years. As a self-taught artist, Leon enjoyed painting, wood carving and sculpturing. His greatest love, however, was his family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 1:30 PM on Sunday, June 28, followed by a reception to honor Leon, at United Congregational Church, 6 Institute Road, in Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations in Leon's memory should be sent to UMass Memorial Hospice, 650 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605.